Current security measures aimed at curbing the terror threat in east Jerusalem "aren't effective enough," Shin Bet sources told Ynet Tuesday night in wake of the latest bulldozer attack in the capital.

The terrorist, an east Jerusalem resident, wounded 18 people before he was shot and killed
by a civilian and a Border Guard officer.

Security officials told Ynet that what they characterized as "popular attacks" such as the hurling of Molotov cocktails and stabbing attacks are on the rise.

Heavily armed police near terrorist's home (Photo: Reuters)

"There is a link between events in Gaza and the pictures coming out of the Strip and such popular attacks," one Shin Bet official said. Security officials added that these attacks are not a result of organized terror activity, but rather, come at the initiative of Palestinian individuals.

In addition, officials noted that about 270 east Jerusalem residents were detained on charges of involvement in terror from 2001 to the end of 2007. However, in the first half of 2008 alone, 71 east Jerusalem Arabs have already been detained on terror-related charges.

'More arrests needed'

Shin Bet officials said that at this time Israel does not utilize effective means of deterrence against east Jerusalem residents, such as the possibility of razing or sealing off the homes of terrorists who committed attacks.

"There isn't enough effective activity," one source said. "We need to enter villages in the east of the city more often and carry out more arrests, in order to deter the next terrorist."

Earlier Tuesday, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said that "In Israel we have a license to work, not a license to kill."

Turning her attention to the fact the terrorist who carried out the attack came from east Jerusalem, the Livni said: "These terror attacks are severe, even if in this incident it ended less terribly than it did the last time. We are starting to see residents of east Jerusalem starting to use their tools to kill. This needs to be addressed…our job is to deter."